Co-host Dab Steadman talks with Dr. Laurel Neme about her book: "Animal Investigators: How the World's First Wildlife Forensics Lab Is Solving Crimes and Saving Endangered Species". This book outlines in great detail the painstaking work that U.S. Wildlife enforcement officers must do when gathering evidence of an animal crime, in order to link the suspect with the victim(s) and the crime scene. Once that time-consuming task is accomplished, the body of evidence is then turned-over to the world's only complete wildlife forensics lab located in Southern Oregon. There it is analyzed by experts in several different departments (morphology, criminalistics, genetic testing, etc.), using innovative techniques and special equipment to ascertain that a crime has, in fact, been committed. With this type of bona fide evidence in hand, the Wildlife officials can then present a strong case in court. Dr. Neme points out that only when these crimes are successfully prosecuted, will wildlife crime and trafficking be reduced.
Dr. Neme has worked as a consultant in many countries finding solutions to resource-management problems that protect both animals & and environment as well as human economic concerns. She is probably best known as an environmental journalist who has written scores of articles for National Geographic and other publications, in addition to authoring 2 books. Her second book, "Orangutan Houdini", based on the clever pranks of a real orangutan in a Kansas zoo, was written for children... and is both entertaining and informative!
To learn more about her books and the valuable animal advocacy work that Dr. Neme is doing around the world, visit her website at: www.laurelneme.com .
- KBOO